BANKS OF EL-HADJAR. S3 
The ground in the vicinity of el-Hadjar is rich, and 
covered vrith fine vegetation. The periodical inundation of 
the river deposits a slime which improves the soil, and it is 
also enriched by the numerous flocks and herds vrhich are 
attracted by the pasturage. This virgin soil wants nothing 
but the hand of the husbandman to produce in abundance all 
the plants which it might be desirable to cultivate; but it 
would be in vain to suggest such a thing to the Moors, and 
the distance from the coast will never admit of a European 
establishment. Half a league from the banks of this stream, 
the nature of the soil changes, and it becomes ferruginous ; 
vegetation is to be found only on little patches of very hard 
yellow sand, where the rain brings forth a few species of 
grass. 
On the 9th of November, some Moors came and asked 
me to shew them the proper way of taking sweet basil; 
Mohammed's eldest son advised me not to tell them till they 
had given me a new coussabe ; but I replied that if I was 
fortunate enough to have it in my power to render any ser- 
vice to the Moors, I would do it for the love of God, and not 
to gain a reward. I mention the fact to shew how little idea 
those people have of generosity. I have already said that 
the sons of my marabout gave me very few lessons; I did 
not, however, neglect any opportunity of gaining instruction ; 
I applied to the other marabouts, who taught me some 
verses of the Koran, and I also learnt from them the Arabic 
letters. The news of their father's speedy arrival rendered 
my hosts more attentive; they now furnished me with a 
regular scholar's board, and I was set morning and night 
to sing the praises of God and his prophet, by the light of 
a small fire. 
On the 10th, as I was boiling a little milk for my break- 
fast, two hassanes, who had lately arrived at the camp, came 
to me ; one of them threw a dirty rag into my milk, and 
then began scolding his companion, as if he had done it, 
G 2 
